How the plan sets your priorities
Your AACN detailed score report shows how you did in each test plan category. Use it to rate each one below; the planner doesn't need exact scores. So the planner asks you instead: the test plan categories you mark as hard start your plan, mixed ones are strengthened, and confident ones get lighter review. Your answers are a self-assessment, not an official result.
Each test plan category starts from its share of the exam in the official outline, multiplied by its priority: 3× to start, 2× to strengthen, 1.5× if you leave it blank, and 1× to maintain. A quarter of your time is mixed practice across all test plan categories. This is Passy’s planning method; it doesn’t estimate a score or a chance of passing.
Retake rules for the CCRN
You can take the same CCRN exam up to four times in a rolling 12-month period, at a discounted retest fee ($185 for AACN members, $290 for nonmembers); no minimum wait between attempts is stated. After 12 months a new honor statement is required.
- maxAttempts is per rolling 12-month period.
- Retest fees from the CCRN Exam Handbook – Direct Care (July 2026) fee table.
- Apply for a retest online (Get Certified, 'retest' option), by mail or fax, or by calling AACN Customer Care.
- Certification Exam Policy Handbook (September 2026), Retake Policy (AACN Certification Corporation)
Checked against official sources on October 24, 2026.
Next steps
Check your weakest test plan category with the free CCRN practice set, or use the CCRN study planner for a first attempt.
Passy is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) or AACN Certification Corporation. CCRN® is a registered service mark; the credential is granted by AACN Certification Corporation, and the name is used here only to identify the exam. Passy practice questions are original study material and contain no AACN exam items, sample questions, or practice-exam questions.